At least three people were killed when an African Union helicopter carrying eight individuals crashed at the airport in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday, according to police and witnesses from the French Press Agency.
The helicopter was part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which is tasked with combating the armed group al-Shabab linked to Al-Qaeda.
AMISOM stated that the helicopter, operated by the Ugandan battalion, “crashed” while landing at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu Wednesday morning, after taking off from the Balidogle military airbase located approximately 90 kilometers from the capital.
AMISOM clarified, “Three of the eight passengers on the helicopter were rescued and transported” to a hospital affiliated with the African Union, though details regarding their injuries were not provided.
The same source indicated that “several people were retrieved from the crash site, including three fatalities.”
Additionally, it was noted that search and rescue operations are ongoing to retrieve the remaining passengers and crew of the helicopter.
Witness Mohammed Barreh, who was at the airport during the helicopter’s crash, told the French Press Agency that some individuals on the aircraft were killed, “but I cannot specify the exact number.”
He added, “Ambulances and fire brigade trucks rushed to the site, where smoke and flames were spread.”
The Civil Aviation Authority informed journalists that an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the incident.
They confirmed that flights at the airport continue to operate normally despite the crash.
Recent attacks have raised concerns about the resurgence of jihadist activity in this country located in the Horn of Africa, particularly as the African Union Mission faces shortages in personnel and financial resources.
